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Design Engineer Jobs in Detroit Lakes, MN (NOW HIRING)

Apex Engineering Group

Design Engineer

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

A Design Engineer shall be capable of independently and collaboratively contributing to the design and development of project plans, specifications and while working with project team members. Design ...

SJE

VFD Design & Support Engineer

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

We are looking for a VFD Design & Support Engineer to support our SJE Rhombus brand. This role will work out of our Detroit Lakes, MN location. Detroit Lakes is the home office for SJE and is the ...

Apex Engineering Group

Lead Engineer

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Provide professional engineering services for clients by providing studies, planning, design, specifications, plans, reports, construction administration, observation, and project management.

Apex Engineering Group

Lead Engineer

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

Provide professional engineering services for clients by providing studies, planning, design, specifications, plans, reports, construction administration, observation, and project management.

Apex Engineering Group

Graduate Engineer

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

$31 - $40/hr

A Graduate Engineer shall be capable of independently and collaboratively contributing to the design and development of project plans, specifications while working with project team members. Graduate ...

Apex Engineering Group

Graduate Engineer

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

$31 - $40/hr

A Graduate Engineer shall be capable of independently and collaboratively contributing to the design and development of project plans, specifications while working with project team members. Graduate ...

Compass Consultants

CAD Drafter

Perham, MN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

CAD Drafter What you'll bring: - AAS in CAD Drafting or a similar field - 1-3 years of experience ... engineer b. Assure drawings adhere to applicable specifications, standards, and/or client ...

Apex Engineering Group

Lead Engineer

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Provide professional engineering services for clients by providing: studies, planning, design, specifications, plans, reports, construction administration, observation and project management.

Apex Engineering Group

Graduate Engineer

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

$31 - $40/hr

A Graduate Engineer shall be capable of independently and collaboratively contributing to the design and development of project plans, specifications while working with project team members. Graduate ...

Compass Consultants Inc.

CAD Drafter

Perham, MN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

CAD Drafter What you'll bring: - AAS in CAD Drafting or a similar field - 1-3 years of experience ... engineer b. Assure drawings adhere to applicable specifications, standards, and/or client ...

Apex Engineering Group

Lead Engineer

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Provide professional engineering services for clients by providing: studies, planning, design, specifications, plans, reports, construction administration, observation and project management.

Apex Engineering Group

Graduate Engineer

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

$31 - $40/hr

A Graduate Engineer shall be capable of independently and collaboratively contributing to the design and development of project plans, specifications while working with project team members. Graduate ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in Detroit Lakes, MN

Design Engineer information

See Detroit Lakes, MN salary details

$39.6K

$86.1K

$154.8K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Detroit Lakes, MN is $86,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $96,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating ideas into workable designs. These abilities ensure innovative, efficient, and manufacturable solutions that meet both technical and client requirements.

What is the difference between Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDesign EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Design certifications often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, project planningManufacturing plants, labs, fieldwork, CAD and testing
Employer & Industry UsageProduct design firms, automotive, aerospace, consumer goodsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy sectors

Design Engineers focus on creating and developing product designs using CAD tools, while Mechanical Engineers often work on the broader application, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Design Engineers typically emphasize design skills and software proficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers may engage more in analysis and system integration.

What does a design engineer do?

A Design Engineer is responsible for creating and developing new products, systems, or structures by combining engineering principles with creative design. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed drawings and specifications, working closely with other engineers and teams to ensure functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Design Engineers are involved in every stage of product development, from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and final production. Their work often requires problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.

How does a design engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Design Engineers regularly work alongside teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and product management to ensure that designs are both innovative and feasible for production. Collaboration often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, reviewing prototypes, and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. This teamwork is essential to address technical and practical challenges early in the design process, which ultimately helps in delivering a successful product to market. Strong communication and adaptability are key skills for thriving in this collaborative environment.

What is a design engineer?

Design engineers develop ideas for new products and determine ways to improve existing products. As a design engineer, you put a creative perspective on your technical engineering knowledge to perform your job duties, which include creating sketches of design ideas and using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to generate plans for prototypes. To ensure the product is viable, you also evaluate other aspects of the product design, such as safety, cost, sustainability, aesthetics, and user experience. You collaborate with a team of technicians and other engineers to run tests, troubleshoot problems, and ultimately produce a newly designed product.

More about Design Engineer jobs
What cities near Detroit Lakes, MN are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Detroit Lakes, MN with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Detroit Lakes, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,100 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Design Engineer

Apex Engineering Group

Detroit Lakes, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 hours ago

Job description

Office Location: Any Apex Office (Fargo, Bismarck, or Dickinson, ND or Detroit Lakes, St. Cloud, or Minnetonka, MN)
Apex Engineering Group has openings for a Design Engineer working in the Transportation Group. The location of these positions is flexible and can be performed from any of our Apex offices or hybrid. Primary responsibilities include working as a key project team member on highway and urban roadway projects from the planning phase through design and construction. A Design Engineer shall be capable of independently and collaboratively contributing to the design and development of project plans, specifications and while working with project team members. Design Engineers typically report to a Project Manager or a Senior Engineer but may be assigned to certain projects as the Project Manager depending on experience. Additional responsibilities may include taking on the role of the project engineer/representative in the field during construction of projects.
Typical Tasks and Duties:
  • Provide professional civil engineering services for clients by providing: planning, design, specifications, plans, reports, construction observation and project management.
  • Delegate and supervise project tasks to CADD Technicians, Graduate Engineers and Field Technicians on the project team.
  • Communicate frequently and effectively with supervisors and project managers on a consistent basis by providing updates and progress during all phases of projects.
  • Attend company meetings, project meetings and client meetings on a regular basis.
  • This position will require a role in preparing proposals and participating in interviews for securing work for the firm. Responsibilities for business development will increase with experience and mentoring by senior staff.
  • This position may lead to a more prominent role as a Project Manager and Client Manager which will include becoming responsible for project budgets and financial performance.
  • Effective communication skills with the public will be required in settings such as public involvement meetings, informational meetings, construction notifications, etc.
  • This position will require the initiative to think independently and make rational judgment calls.
  • Expect to take on and understand the role of the project engineer and the owner's on-site representative on construction projects.
  • Continue to learn and proficiently utilize Computer Aided Design and Drafting software to prepare plan documents.
  • Understand and follow company CADD procedures and client CADD procedures when required.
  • Understand and follow company employee handbook and mandated safety policies.
  • Perform responsibilities in a conscientious, legal and ethical manner with a strong attention to detail.
  • Participate in professional organizations and community leadership programs.
  • Travel and out of town stays will be required; Expect to work overtime, especially during the construction season.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering required.
  • MN or ND Professional Engineers License preferred or ability to be licensed in MN or ND within 6-12 months required.
  • 5 or more years of highway/roadway design experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of MNDOT or NDDOT design and project development process preferred.
  • Proficiency in Bentley OpenRoads Designer and MicroStation Connect. Corridor modeling and design software is highly preferred.
  • Ability to work in other civil design software platforms (i.e., AutoCAD / Civil 3D) a plus.
  • Experience in designing municipal/urban projects with underground utilities is a plus.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
  • Must be detail orientated, self-motivated with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • Proficient using Microsoft Windows/Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
  • A valid driver's license is required or the ability to obtain one.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to operate a computer under normal ergonomic office conditions.
  • Required to work in an outdoors environment during construction season.
  • May require prolonged periods of standing and walking to perform some of the typical tasks and duties associated with construction observation and surveying.
  • Required to lift objects or containers weighing 50-lbs.
  • Must work scheduled and required hours.
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements described here are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits:
We're looking for experience, entrepreneurs and enthusiasm. Apex Engineering Group believes that every employee plays an important role in our company's success and that is why we strive to provide our employees with a benefits program that rewards them for their hard work and dedication they put forth everyday.
We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  1. Performance-based bonuses
  2. Health, dental, and vision insurance
  3. Life insurance
  4. 401(k) plan with employer match and profit-sharing contribution
  5. Paid parental leave
  6. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
  7. Paid time off
  8. Short- and long-term disability coverage
  9. Employee wellness program

Hourly Base Pay Range: $40 - $55 (Actual base pay is dependent on several factors, including experience, education, licensure, job location, and internal equity.)
EOE/AA
Please email [email protected] with any questions.

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